Cost of living in Esmeraldas
Esmeraldas, a coastal city in Ecuador, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Esmeraldas, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $4 on average, with a range between $3 and $9.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $38, with prices ranging from $25 to $63.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4, with a range between $4 and $8.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.5 to $6, imported beer $2.5 to $7, cappuccino $1.5 to $3.8, and Coke/Pepsi $0.5 to $2.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.9 and $1.48 per liter, averaging $1.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1 and $2.2, with an average price of $1.58.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $3.5, averaging $1.5.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.96 to $5 per kg, while oranges range from $1 to $5 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.5 and $2 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.3 to $1 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.15 and $0.5.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.63 and $1.07 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.5, with a cost of $1.25 to $2 per km and $8 to $20 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $200.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $150.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre ranges from $300 to $350, averaging $325.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $25 and $80, averaging $41.12.
- Internet - Internet services range from $25 to $40.31, with an average cost of $31.13.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Ecuador are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Ecuador, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Esmeraldas offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Dining out is affordable, with inexpensive meals and reasonable prices for mid-range dining.
Housing costs are notably low, especially for those looking to rent outside the city centre.
Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and fuel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Esmeraldas presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
This makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a balance between cost and quality of life in a vibrant coastal setting.